The Oakland Unified School District school board may have canceled this evening’s board meeting, but they cannot cancel the power of the people. The strike by more than 3,000 Oakland teachers and other education professionals moved into its fifth day.

Members of the Oakland Education Association, joined by parents and allies from across the city of Oakland and beyond, were once again on picket lines outside more than 80 schools operated by OUSD from 7:30 – 11:30 am this morning.

OEA members are as strong as ever in their solidarity, with 98% of members showing up every day to walk the line. CTA’s Board of Directors joined OEA picket lines, bringing solidarity that’s +310,000 CTA Members strong.

Later in the afternoon, educators and allies gathered at La Escuelita Elementary for a solidarity rally in spite of the canceled school board meeting. At the meeting, groups of parents and students planned to speak in support of educators and challenge the district’s decision to cut special education programs mid-year which harmed students and caused massive disruption across the school district.

In spite of this setback, The Town showed up in strong solidarity with OEA.

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The rally’s speakers and performers included Oakland’s own Boots Riley, DJ Davey D, the Alphabet Rockers, Son Jarocho, and OEA’s music teacher band. The struggle continues but it was an afternoon that galvanized our movement. Onward!